Sophie and Tim chose Lodge Farm Kings Walden as the venue for their summer wedding. Lodge Farm is a gorgeous countryside wedding venue situated in the Hertfordshire countryside close to the market town of Hitchin.
Weddings at Lodge Farm are a dream booking for me as a Hertfordshire wedding photographer because it is just such a pretty wedding venue. Lodge Farm is a particularly special place to me. I've been part of so many amazing wedding days here over the years. The Victorian farm house and gardens are so charming and pretty, and set against a backdrop of rolling Hertfordshire countryside there are gorgeous photo-spots everywhere. All at very close hand. Complete with a striking tipi (from Country Tipis) in which to house the reception this is an amazing exclusive use venue.
“The venue couldn’t have been more perfect and symbolised us more! It was relaxed, fun and everything we wanted plus more to celebrate. The tipi brings the outside in. Fortunately the day was beautiful weather wise just when it mattered most. The secret garden, where the ceremony took place, was cosy and intimate plus the main house was stunning. It was no secret that I could have moved in and literally stayed forever!” Sophie
It is always a pleasure to work alongside Liz, Lodge Farm’s wedding coordinator, and her team. They really go above and beyond to ensure the most amazing and perfect wedding days. Liz and I operate seamlessly together so couples get beautiful pictures in a relaxed and fun way and without being taken away from their celebration.
I arrived at Lodge Farm to find groom Tim and other family members putting final touches to the décor and set up inside the tipi. Summer 2023 has been a wet one and this day was no exception. It was chucking it down! Sophie and Tim had planned to be wed outside in the pretty secret garden. But, due to the terrible weather the ceremony setup had been moved inside the tipi. However, cosy beneath the canvas of the tipi surrounded by fairy lights and flowers this plan-b is every bit as magical as the outdoor option.
I popped over to the farm house and upstairs to the bridal suit where Sophie was doing some last minute touch ups to her make-up, having had a chilled morning getting ready with her mum.
“So many favourite parts of the day that made it super special. From getting ready in the morning with my mum, the overwhelming excitement and nerves building on the day before such a fun ceremony. Managing to see and talk to every one of our guests before an amazing feast! Followed by an awesome evening full of love, laughter and fun! Haven’t laughed and smiled so hard than on our wedding day.” Sophie
Unbeknown to us, outside the weather had cleared. Liz and her team had pulled out all the stops to move all of the ceremony set up back out into the secret garden at the very last minute. Sophie and Tim would have their wedding ceremony exactly as they had imagined it in the beautiful garden.
I set about capturing candid images of excited guests arriving and taking their seats in the secret garden as Tim, looking very sharp in dark blue tweed suit, waited anxiously for the arrival of his bride.
With guests arriving outside and everything ready to go, Sophie’s dad was invited into the bridal suit to see her in what was an emotional first look. Sophie looked absolutely stunning in her elegant bridal gown and veil. As a stylist and beautician by profession, Sophie did her hair and makeup herself and wow, she looked incredible!
Experienced Hertfordshire wedding photographer
Sophie’s dad, beaming with pride, walked her down the aisle. Both Sophie and Tim were a picture of pure happiness throughout their service which was an absolute joy to photograph.
With their vows made and rings exchanged, the bride and groom walked out of the garden hand in hand to the cheers and applause of their family and friends. I captured a perfect candid moment as the pair naturally paused to kiss on the veranda in front of the house. Moments later they were joined by guests for a drinks reception.
Liz and I arranged the guests in front of the farm house for a fun confetti run before organising some family group photos. Occasional rain showers punctuated beautiful bright sunshine throughout the afternoon and before we knew it, it was time for the wedding breakfast (a delicious hog roast served by Herts Hog Roast).
The wedding reception was held in the tipi which had been dressed beautifully with wildflowers in rustic bottles and jars. Quirky features such as a vintage delivery bicycle complete with a personalised old fashioned livery, and a traditional red post-box for cards.
Sophie and Tim cut their wedding cake. A beautiful 3 tiered naked sponge cake decorated with roses and fresh summer berries that was made by the groom’s mum. Before heartfelt speeches were made by Sophie’s dad and Tim the groom.
Creative Wedding photography at a beautiful Hertfordshire wedding venue
After dinner, as guests happily mingled, played vintage lawn games and enjoyed exclusive use of this gorgeous Hertfordshire wedding venue. I quickly whisked Sophie and Tim away for a few minutes for a mini sunset photoshoot at the farm. Sophie and Tim really enjoyed taking a few minutes away from the wedding to have a moment to enjoy the sunset together and I got some gorgeous images. One of the best things about photographing weddings at Lodge Farm is that Liz always joins in with these bride and groom sessions making sure we get the very best out of the beautiful venue together. In this instance, encouraging us to try a new spot on the edge of a wheat field. It was a great idea and when I asked Sophie to tell me what her favourite photograph was you can guess exactly which one it was!
“[My] favourite photos by far have to be the ones of us in the wheat field! We had the funniest time getting these shots and it was pure last minute, try our luck in getting a slightly different shot! They turned out amazingly well and the light, the sky and everything looked beautiful. I personally loved the black and white photos too. Ones in my dress before the ceremony along with us both walking down the country lane. That whole feel fits us so perfectly as a couple.” Sophie.
Storytelling wedding photography in Hertfordshire
Evening celebrations started with a romantic first dance for Sophie and Tim inside the tipi as the band ‘Under The Covers’ played their song. Later James of Disco Nyts took over from behind his rustic ‘Good Times’ DJ booth and the dance floor came to life in epic fashion!
“The DJ smashed it and it was just like going out on a night out with all our favourite people with the best music!” Sophie.
This was the best way to end what was an incredible and perfect wedding day!
Sophie very kindly had this to say about me after her wedding day:
“Stephen, you were the best person to have in the bridal suite whilst I was getting ready. You were the kindest person when I was feeling most anxious. I will forever cherish those memories of you just snapping away whilst I was getting ready. Within the first 5 minutes, you made me feel so comfortable.”
And after all that if you are still wondering if you should book your own wedding at Lodge Farm, take it from Sophie:
“Everyone who played a part in our day and helped us to create everything plus more will forever be cherished. We both were overwhelmed by the kindness of others who joined us at Lodge Farm. Bob and Carol were the best too, genuinely felt like family. Just the sweetest people! Liz, I would trust with my life. She took on all my stress and made everything happen.”
Congratulations to Sophie and Tim for getting married and for creating a wonderful day that you and your family and friends will never forget! And, of course thank you for allowing me to tell the story of it!
If you are planning a wedding at Lodge Farm in Hertfordshire or somewhere further afield, please don’t hesitate to get in touch to chat to me about how we can capture lots and lots of beautiful photos of it!
